SACRAL CHAKRA (2nd Chakra)

The second step on the chakra journey brings us to the sacral chakra.  Physically, in class, we focused on our hips and pelvis.  This area tends to bring up a lot of resistance - physically (due to the amount of sitting we do, we tend to have reduced flexibility and mobility in this area), emotionally (it tends to be a physical storehouse for emotional tension) and mentally (this physical and emotional tension tends to bring up a lot of resistance.)  It's definitely not an easy area to work with!

SACRAL CHAKRA
Sanskrit	Swadhisthana (one's own place)
Location	just below the belly button
Color	orange
Element	water
Symbol	silver crescent moon
Purpose	movement, release, connection
Verb	I FEEL
Demon	guilt
Yoga Postures (to support & open centre)	- Mandukasana (frog) - Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (half pigeon) - Supta Baddha Konasana (reclined butterfly)

The following is a breath technique that can be done when focusing or doing work with the sacral chakra.

Apas Mandala Pranayama for the Sacral Chakra

*** this breath technique comes from the Gitananda Yoga tradition.  

This technique involves a simple in and out of the breath done to a count:

• inhale for a count of 6
• exhale for a count of 6

Continue this pattern for at least 9 rounds.  If 6 counts feels like too much, you can lessen the count to 5 or 4.  If you want to go a bit deeper, you can increase the count to 7, 8 or 9.  Just ensure that the inhale and exhale have the same count.  

** For an audio recording of this technique, along with a visualization that goes along to further enhance this centre, you can visit my site by clicking here.

Happy Breathing!!  Enjoy experiencing the flow before we move onto the dynamic, energetic and somewhat intense fire of the third chakra.

See you on our mats!

Roxanne